Oooooh God ;___; I don't know what to saaay! Argdjfbkjdsf! You guys are trying to KILL me I freakin' swear {XD Honestly, just everything here. I could cry. I really could. Just that either of you would ever do so much for me. ;_; I'm so touched & just.. awestruck. I wish you two knew even knew a fraction of how deeply it meant. Seriously, you don't even know how genuinely high your kindness lifts my spirits. I swear I could never thank you enough. Your both so amazing to me & I'm so happy & grateful to be able to know you. Please always know that <3 <3 No matter how long it may take me to get back.. {XD
Ah, and speaking of which, I am so sorry it has taken me so ridiculously long to get back on here. Seriously, I feel so damn bad {:C I owe so many responses & notes to you two. I'm so sorry {XP Again this weeks just been so crappy. Thanks to some awesome co workers & their crud, I actually spent the better part of it under the weather. Don't worry though, it's not
manbearpig flu anything too serious. At the most it's just a sore throat & a lack of energy. The worst is it's just left me dead tired more then anything else. It's like all I've done this week is sleep. {
But other then that I've been fine & thankfully, feel a lot better now. So hopefully this things just run it's course & left. And if not then I swear someone at work is getting
beaten with a mask some Monday.
Anyway, again I really am sorry & will do my best to play catch up here over the weekend. Thankfully I have nothing to do (except maybe a bunch of laundry) so I'll have plenty of time to build up a little artsenal X) Haha, and speaking of which; your art attack & ping pong pieces. Oh God It's sooo true XD It's like for every 1 piece of mine there's 5 of yours behind it. Like sharks teeth! Sharks teeth made of happiness!
But I wouldn't have it any other way! I so wouldn't <3 I can't tell you how grateful I am to know that you wouldn't either. Seriously, that means so much to me that you would think I'm worth waiting for. ;_; Please know how much I feel exactly the same <3<3 I mean it. If it weren't for you & Lourdes my days would be so much dimmer. It really is like I have a whole new wind because of you guys. Like you two have flipped some super happy inspiration switch in me. I know I probably repeat myself saying so but it's just so true. It really has been forever since I've had the kind of fun & connections I have here with you two. I <3 you guys so much. It's so true <3<3 Even if you do leave me with a crazy amount of stuff to catch up on XD I swear, I better shape the hell up at ping pong here. I'm getting so SERVED.
But not as bad as the villager you drew here! Oooh! Haha, I love your 'not for you' piece so much. XD It's on like Donkey Kong! Guys got so much groveling left to do.. and even then I'm not sure Raine will care XD That dialogue is totally my favorite part, BTW. It's such a perfect little banter between them especially her throwing his woes right back in his face. I only wish I could think of stuff that creative XD I'm so glad you were able to get the whole karma thing BTW. I was afraid it would seem a little weird to for a character to be so selective about it. But I'm happy you totally knew where I was coming from.
I mostly just wanted to try giving her some hypocrisy of her own too since her nature would be as human as anyone else s'. Another big one for her I've been trying to work with is how judgmental she is towards the villagers. With all she's been through, I figured it might be a neat contradiction if her way of thinking would be stuck believing that they're all terrible people yet at the same time she wouldn't be able to stand how judgmental & prejudice they all are of her. It's like she wouldn't be able to see any of them as individuals anymore but end up being just as much guilty of the hate & judgment she's always criticizing them of. Except she probably wouldn't recognize it or see it that way of course. But.. who can blame her really
especially after poor Ven.
Oh God Ven. I can't even tell you how beautiful those pieces of him are. Just Jesus that one you did. That made me tear up so much. You don't even know. ;_; It just hit so hard. So close to home. I mean that in a good way of course but just God..all the emotion in that piece. I don't have words for it. It's so powerful. Like I can completely feel everything you intended the two of them to be going through.. Raine in all her grief & sorrow and then Veneficus just being so accepting of his fate but still so full of sadness & regret eurghh the whole thing.. it just pulls with such an indescribable strength. I don't even know how to properly describe it. I know I must sound so hippie dippy saying it, but it really is like all the feelings just radiate right off the page. Like I could easily be right there with them. Beautiful doesn't even feel like it covers it but it's the only word I can think to describe it. This goes for verse in your description too. My God that's so sad but so beautifully put. ;_: I've never heard that quote before but it is - it's just so truthful &
right. I'm so happy you & Lourdes could share this with me. You really have no idea. I'm so deeply moved.. but in all the best possible ways <3
I can easily say the same for your 'missing those days' piece too. Again, it's despairing but so sweet & blissful. Exactly the kind of bittersweet memories Raine would look back on with happiness & heartsick. Again, this moves me in so many of the best ways. I love it so much. It's exactly the kind of thing I could see Raine doing. It's funny really. I've doodled her so many times covering him up at night too, though in a lot of my sketches he's usually still awake & kinda all sourpuss about it XD But still, again with the mind link! It's just too awesome not to mention.
Speaking of which, I can't believe you mentioned Ringling! Seriously, you have no idea what a huge can of worms you opened here with that, holy crap. I don't know if you knew, (you might if you've looked at my other dev account or my profile or something I dunno XD) but I actually graduated from there in 04. (I'm so old, I know
) If you end up trying to go back to school though (which I so hope you do!!) I, without a doubt, would recommend Ringling. It is.. wow it was just indescribable experience for me. The education, the friends, the fun, the skills & connections I picked up.. it's was just truly such an invaluable moment of my life. Some of the best friends & memories I've ever had - and still have. Even now those friends & pro job connections are still with me today. Truly the most I've taken away out of anything I've ever done. This isn't to say I'm not paying a small fortune for it for the rest of my life of course.
(Seriously, I might as well own a house for the loan I'm paying back XP) But still, to me it was completely worth it. Anyway, I know I'm probably completely biased here in saying so but I think you should try to go, I really do! Even if it's not Ringling you ultimately choose, just deciding to go to an art school or any college at all will be such a huge step up. It's true, art school will make you do all kinds of projects that will seem.. so gay XD but the techniques they teach you on how to handle & execute the art itself is just invaluable. I won't lie, it won't be what you want to draw all of the time but the skill level will grow so quickly! Anyway, I'm sorry. I've probably prattled on enough about 'ohemgee skool' but honestly, if you'd really like to give it a try please feel free to ask me anything. I'd be completely happy to share my old assignments, techniques or just any information that I gained really. Also if you'd really want to consider Ringling please do NOT think your stuff won't pass! Holy God girl if you only KNEW the stuff I applied with. I can show you actually if you want sometime but I swear it will make your eyes effing bleed. Seriously.. I applied with a lens flare on one of my pieces. Yes, it was THAT bad XD I sincerely mean it Juno! Your are so talented. More talented then I was at your age. I can't see you not getting in. I really can't. I've seen portfolio review & what I can see your capable of, smokes some people that were in my second year classes. I'm not kidding. You really do have talent there & I promise you I'm not just blowing sunshine up your butt when I say that. Again, the potential in your work - it shows up so clearly & I totally think you should go for it. You would do just fine. And like I said, if you ever want me to share anything about my classes or teachers or projects, I mean it.. I'd be more then happy to help. I still have all my old class papers & assignments if you'd ever like an idea of what I did. Not that I'm any kind of expert on this stuff mind you but it really would make me glad if I could, even if it's in the very minor of ways, help you towards something better & more suited to you. Even if that's only by offering support <3
But as I said, I've babbled
like a loon long enough & do hope I wasn't too overzealous with any of that. I promise I wasn't trying to be all 'OMG111 *flail*' all over you or anything. XD Seriously, feel free to be all 'get up out mah face!' if I'm ever too gibbery. I'll shut up ;D *ahem* but going on.. there's still so many things I have left to say about.. well everything! I'm telling you it's like I don't even know where to start & what I have said doesn't even feel like it does any of those pieces justice. I mean it. I love everything you've posted so incredibly much. You just have no idea how acutely your work touches me. The unbelievable idea switch it flips on with me. It's crazy & I just love it so SO much. You & Lourdes both, you've become such an inspiration to me. If it weren't for either of you I would never have done as much as I have here. I've always enjoyed doing Duckula art & chipping away at my story but because of you two that love has absolutely increased a hundred fold. It's true. Again I haven't felt this way in so long & just I'm so elated you two could help breathe that life back into me again <3 If it weren't for either of you I know there would definitely be no John. That's right! I blame him on you guys as much as I do me XD
And oh man Jooooohn <3<3 I really can't get enough of him. I hope that doesn't make me a bad person XD I do so love him though even despite all his horrible & disturbing crazy
Just the work you come up with for him. It's always so suitable. I mean it. I may be his creator but no matter what, I've always felt like your the one that helped breathe so much
real life into him. The dialogue you write for him, his mannerisms, his reactions, everything you've done with him has always mirrored my own thoughts. And I know these are things I've said before but it still just rings so true. I don't know how you do it but I can just never stress enough how -right- you get him every single time. Even my own doodles haven't been able to match it & anymore I end up looking to yours now just to get him looking the way I want. It's sad, I know, but I'm
enfatuated in love with the way you draw him. <3 <3 I hope you know how much I appreciate all the fun stuff too. I know your always worried about bastardizing his character & all by doing goofy things but I can't tell you enough how much I thoroughly enjoy it. So many of those situations make me smile so much. The whole motel matches thing I thought was just hilarious XD Especially how nonchalant John is about it all. I love it! Their expressions just couldn't BE any better!
And as far as expressions, Oooooh I couldn't be more in love with John & his feather. OMG, I love this SO much. You don't even know. He just looks so deviously proud. And, as always, just the perfect amount of creepy. And that pose! I'm smitten! <3 It looks like he just pulled the thing straight out of his coat or something which just couldn't be more excellent. Augh it wouldn't surprise me at -all- if that's where he kept it either Having it "close to his heart" & all? ... Ugh. dammit John.. why do you have to be so freakin' creepy?! D: Guess that's sorta my fault huh? XD Oh but I do adore the way you draw him.. especially in his coat. Ahhh, he just looks so marvelous in it <3<3 Technically this is such a great piece too. Again, the linework looks so fluid in this. Those sketch lines; they're so quick but laid down with such a confident movement. It undeniably shows! The whole gesture of this piece, I can see how it was captured with such few but strong marks. I love it! The whole feel of it is just so swift & well executed. Your crazy fantastic at making his coat so pimp too
It's funny, you know when I first saw this piece all I could immediately think of I was how maid Juno would just have this closet full of jackets in her room. Like a little collection XD
I love your ideas on Juno, BTW. I'm so thrilled you decided to make her into a character! X) I agree - screw you litmus test! Juno's awesome. I love what you have going on for her! Your thoughts here so unique & I can just totally see how naturally it would work. Augh, but I feel so bad for her though, struggling the way she does just to keep her own mind balanced & free from everyone's stray moods. That's got to be so draining :/ I think that's such a fantastic concept that nobody at Castle Duckula is effected by her abilities. I never would have thought of that but it makes perfect sense that she'd completely fit in there XD I'm telling you I can't wait to draw out some of the ideas I have for her now. Your character is so much fun. I totally have like all these little mental adventures between her & Raine that demand sketching out. One of them being how they meet. It's quite a um.. interesting little experience? Poor maid Juno. XD
Lourdes, your maid Juno is so amazing, BTW. I love love LOVE your all your clothing designs. Holy cow woman you are so incredible at drawing clothes! And just drawing too! Seriously, I've been meaning to respond to your meme post for forever now. I feel so bad that I haven't but it's true; I've been wanting to tell you for so long now how amazing your work is. Honestly girl, you need to draw more. Please! You totally blew me away with that thing & with all the stuff you've been posting here lately. I love your work! It's so clean & all your designs are just - wow! The character designs you've come up with are so fantastic! I just love Louise! Her personality & her treatment. I mean it. I only wish I could design clothing this well. I love all the patterns you've come up with. They're so historical & gorgeous! And again I love how clean all your work is. I mean it Lourdes, you have so much talent. I had no idea you used to draw so much but after seeing your meme & these pieces I can clearly tell. I'll be entirely honest; when I saw your meme the linework absolutely reminded me of the type of work you would see in cleaned up animation. I mean it. It's so clean but so fantastically well done & on model! You should totally draw more. I love your work! And Louise too!
In case I don't get a chance to say so later tonight, I'm also so honored that you included Raine in your meme too. I love her & am so touched that you would draw her for me. Thank you so so much! <3<3
Ah, and speaking of Raine. Under the moon! Holy Christopher this is so gorgeous woman. ;_; I don't even know what to say. The lighting & colors in this aghh.. they're so somber & beautiful. The moons glow just radiating off of her like that. It's so lustrous & just fits her mood so brilliantly! Poor Raine, it's like I want to just hug her I swear {
Her feelings completely reach out to me. This is so lovely though despite all it's sadness. Hopefully John's somewhere far & gone because erugh.. just the expression you put on her. It's so right but just makes me feel so horrible for her too. Like I actually feel BAD now for
being such a sadist to her giving her so many problems. Argh! XD The poor woman. It'll be ok though I'll draw her getting back at John soon enough. The quote in this is so beautiful, BTW. Again, it's another reference I've never heard of but just wow.. how perfect & amazing it is <3<3
Oh man Team Hunter! I cannot get over how awesome this is! XD Lourdes, I can't say it enough but it makes me so SO happy that you created a character to compliment John. I just love her! Her & John's relationship too is so creative & thrilling. It just delights me how innocent she is! Like Juno said, it's not so much infatuation or forced ignorance as it is just good natured hero worship. I adore that so much & fully agree; it does make her so truly appealing! <3 I also just love that she's there to help inflate Johns already massive ego. It just completes the picture so naturally. Truly the perfect compliment to someone as crazy as him. I'm also a bit relieved their relationship here is all business too because augh.. poor Louise! o.x She does NOT want the kind of attention John would shower her with D: Juno, I love your idea about the excuses, BTW. That just makes me laugh so hard to contemplate. Oh the stuff he would probably come up with XD It just tickles me to no end thinking of him being so hard pressed for answers. The things that would just FLYYY out his mouth. I can only imagine XD Ahh, but getting back to my original thoughts! I love this piece so much. They both look so cute standing back to back! <3 Team Hunter, hehehe.. it's terrible of me but I keep picturing them with some kind of Captain Planet power rings or something now {XD Poor Louise she'd have the power of heart but it would be the only heart on that team D:
For God! Aw man poor Louise just has NO clue. D: And John - his face is so gloriously scheming. Oh that smirky expression of his! I love it so much <3 X) I swear though, this piece makes me so angry at him. I want to hate him so badly now manipulating the poor girl like this. And then enjoying every minute on top of it :C Eurgh.. I think it's about time I drew him into a little corner over here. The freakin jerk bag
Augh!! And if I didn't need anymore of a reason! WTF JOHN?! XD Oooh poor poor Raine! My LORD {XD She just doesn't catch a break does she? Ahh, I can't even coherently tell you how much I wholeheartedly LOVE this though. It's like you broke my brain! My precious cognitive abilities - forever destroyed! XD Ah, but in the most wonderfully amazing ways <3<3 Honestly, between this & the lyrics/music it's those 0 G's all over again for me! <3 And the music. Oh the music. Just WOW! And to think I thought 'Like A Stone' was fitting. Cripes, you weren't kidding when you said that's definitive John music. Holy crap I could not have heard anything more entirely suited to him! That's just.. that's him all over the place! Especially the music itself like you said. It's so dark & menacing but so strung out & maddening! Ugh! Hearing it just gives me chills. Scary as hell is right D: And I agree, it does seem to be a little on the growly side like you mentioned but not so much it seems out of place. It really is just the right mix. Just the overall feel itself could not be more appropriate. It's so stalkery & terrifying but so incredibly right for John. Same for for the lyrics. I could not have ever imagined that there'd be a song out there that gave him such -perfect- fit. I am so SO happy & grateful you introduced this to me. It's so amazingly accurate & the band that covers it is just so fantastic too. I've never heard their stuff before but just wow! I love some of these 80's covers! Holy crap, I'm in love <3<3 I hope you know what you've done over here. I'll probably never be able to get this song out of my head now. XD I just love the ending to this, BTW, where it speeds up & gets all psyched out. The mental picture I get from this is so wildly great. It's like I can just envision something to the effect of him tearing through the woods on horseback or trashing Raine's house or something XD That reminds me, I drew a John piece tonight listening to this actually. I'm not done with it yet but when I post it I have no doubt you'll know which one it is. ;D And again, there's just so much I want to say about the drawing itself! I swear, I could not love this piece anymore if I tried. <3 It's just funny to me that his hand was originally supposed to be higher. Poor Raine. John just wants to..hug
your bewb you? XD Oh well. I can't say it's inappropriate though. That's... just John.
There's hardly much for him that is inappropriate really. Honestly, if anything I don't wonder if half of what I draw sometimes is worse. Reminds me, I still need to finish up & post that feather thing sometime.. and then there's a new idea that sorta crossed my mind yesterday. Nothing terrible or anything just Johns hellaciously creepy stalker crap
You know.. the usual XD Ugh, I swear I've never made a character so effed up in my life. WTF's wrong with me. I used to draw such sweet endearing stuff *cry* XD
Ahh & speaking of drawing; the goods! ;D Though I have to confess there aren't many goods here. I'm so sorry! D: Please don't be fooled though! I actually have quite the build up over here. I'm only holding out for now because I want to get back in the swing of ping ponging with you nightly again. I miss our nightly posts so much & am just sad that I've had so much trouble here keeping up. And I hate to even admit that because I truly love our long posts but between full time work & family stuff it's just been a response killer for me. :/ It's great for me on weekends but on work nights, there's just no way, even without being sick
This isn't to say I can't still post art & respond or anything just not all massive super sized {XD And again, I'm so sorry, I hate to even say anything because I do love our crazy epic posts but I just want to be able to get back to you on a nightly basis again. XD I miss being able to pong back nightly like we used to. I do. <3 <3 Anyway, I figure maybe if I keep it down & start off slow tonight I can respond back a little quicker. Get me back into the swing of things I guess XD Then, over the week, I can like y'know roll out my artsenal on you <3 X)
So for now..
No Contest
i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv29/raineart/MortalJuno.jpgIt's true, none can withstand your almighty art fury. I try so hard to keep up
too *cry* XD
Now That's What I Call A Sticky Situation
i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv29/raineart/StickySituation.jpgRaine proves to John that just because he wins a fight or two doesn't mean he's gonna win them all. She can find ways to defend herself too, especially out in those woods where she can get um.. creative X) Poor Louise. John's got to be such a little whiner XD